Editor's Note: Here's a letter from local equestrian star Taylor Philips, updating us on her latest competition:
This winter I went to the Coachella Valley in California and competed for 4 weeks in the Coachella Desert Circuit Horse Show. Spanning nine weeks (with one off week) this circuit brings thousands of equestrians to Southern California to compete. The Longines FEI World Cup and the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix is the peak of the Circuit.
I ride three horses a day, six days a week with my trainers Brent and Laura Baliksy, and Laura-Jane Tidball to train. The horses are exercised on the flat about five times a week to keep their fitness and endurance levels up and are trained over fences one to two times a week. Countless hours are put in to prepare for not only the winter circuit in California, but also the competitions that are coming up this spring and summer.
I brought a mare named Blue with me to California that I have been riding for the past six months. Blue is what you would call a 'hot' horse, she has a lot of energy and never seems to get tired. That being said she really makes me work, and forces me to be a step ahead of the game. I have been riding from a very young age so I have ridden quite a few horses, but none have taught me as much as she has in such a short amount of time, and as a rider that's all I can ask for; to constantly be learning. I competed in the 1.20m Amateur jumpers at HITS (Horses In The Sun) Coachella which is a very competitive division. We jumped a few times in the Grand Prix ring competing against some of the top riders through challenging courses. I was very pleased with our results and progress throughout the circuit and I was honoured to compete at such a spectacular facility against great riders.
I am now back training in Langley, BC at Thunderbird Show Stables to prepare for my upcoming competitions. I will be competing from April until the end of August at venues such as Thunderbird Show Park in Langley BC and Spruce Meadows in Calgary AB.
I am looking forward to the journey ahead!
I would like to thank my previous trainers Vicki Zielke and Karen Ritchey for teaching me so much. As well as my amazing grandparents, Ron and Julie Hodson, for having me during my time in California. And of course my parents, Dave and Theresa Philips, as this wouldn't be possible without their endless support. I am beyond grateful for everyone and their support of my riding.